Ronaldinho signs new deal

The Brazilian star has not added any length to his contract which still has four years to run, but he could now earn up to ‚é¼9 million a season - should he help bring silverware to Camp Nou.

Ronaldinho was brilliant in his first season for Barca grabbing 22 goals, after leaving Paris Saint Germain for over £20 million last summer.

However, his form saw Chelsea and Real Madrid both looking at ways to prise him away - but Barca have now insisted on an increase in his release clause in exchange for the increase of salary.

Anyone wanting to sign Ronaldinho will now have to come up with ‚é¼150 million, rather than the previous ‚é¼100 million - which was almost within the reach of Chelsea - although this fugure will be reduced as his contract runs.

Barca president Joan Laporta travelled to South America last week to hold talks with Ronaldinho and his brother (also his agent) Roberto Assis.

Talks went well and Ronaldinho faxed over his signature on the new deal on Tuesday, which sealed his future with the Catalan giants.

"The new agreement should stop anyone trying to make off with the player," Laporta told El Mundo Deportivo.

"This puts our minds at rest."